If I ever decide to ramp back up the volume then private money is a no brainer.Crowd funding will be an interesting space to watch develop over the next few years.

Some just provide financing for deals, others invest in homes, apartments, development, commercial, etc.Another option for you that is fairly passive is tax lien investing.

I have just closed on and have started another syndication in a resort development on the Island of Ambergris Caye in Belize.

Make sure the cash flow is secure with high quality tenants.Eliminate all personal debts.Secure your personal income streams (work / education / skill development) for yourself and your family.Leave yourself a cash emergency fund that can cover a year's worth of all personal and real estate expenses.These first few properties should be completely paid off.

Also I'm with an investor friendly company that has on going professional development for investors.

I would love to hold properties in perpetuity, but given my grandparents and their parents, are no longer here, the prospect is doubtful.I'm one of these numbers driven geeks - 2.5 decades in software development and design may play a part - and, as such, all our properties were modelled prior to acquisition.

It's all about the money.Many bought the belt line with grants, TAD bonds etc. in mind to develop the land.

I won't list anything I can't sell as my reputation is on the line.

Deciding to play an active role in the forum discussions helped me in my development as an investor big time!

If you are looking for flip property, why don't you find some reputable local wholesalers that are actively doing deals?